Abstract

Høiland, K. & Laane, M.M. 2003. En kritisk vurdering av grannåler som bevis i straffesaken mot Fredrik Fasting Torgersen i 1958. Blyttia 61:90-98. A critical evaluation of needles of Norway spruce used as circumstantial evidence in the criminal case against Fredrik Fasting Torgersen in 1958 (Oslo, Norway).

Mr. Fredrik Fasting Torgersen (23 years old) was, on 16th June 1958 by Eidsivating Crown Court sentenced for the murder of Miss Rigmor Johnsen (16 years old) on 6th December 1957 in Skippergata 6b in Oslo. An important botanical circumstantial evidence was needles of Norway spruce Picea abies found on an old Christmas tree on the scene of the crime and in the pocket and turn-ups on Torgersen’s suit. During the trial it was stated that the needles from the scene of the crime and the accused were identical in size and form, and that such needles are exceptionally rare. From both places they were short (6-9 mm), flattened, and tapering with an acute point. The needles from the scene of the crime are still available for study, whereas those from the accused are, unfortunately, lost. However, we found that needles of corresponding size and form are common on small and suppressed spruce trees in shady forests. Moreover, nearly all needles of suppressed trees are homogenous, indicating that clothes coming in touch with such trees will contain needles of approximately the same size and form. Therefore we disagree with the view that the spruce needles used against Torgersen were exceptional and conclude that they had no value as circumstantial evidence in the actual criminal case. Torgersen has always claimed and still claims his innoscence.

Klaus Høiland, Biologisk institutt, avdeling for botanikk og plantefysiologi, Universitetet i Oslo, P.b. 1045 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo. Morten Motzfeldt Laane, Biologisk institutt, elektronmikroskopisk laboratorium, Universitetet i Oslo, P.b. 1066 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo.

Blyttia 61 (2)
Blyttias hjemmeside
Lagt ut 24.10.2003 JW